2025's Most Underrated Towns In Vermont
Vermont is known for its covered bridges, colorful fall leaves, and ski towns like Stowe, but there’s more to see beyond the usual spots. Scattered across the state are small towns that stay under the radar. They’re peaceful, scenic, and have strong local communities. You won’t find crowds or tourist traps, but you will find great hiking trails, quiet lakes, local shops, and small restaurants that feel like a secret.
With more people working remotely and looking for slower, quieter places to visit or live in 2025, these towns are starting to stand out. They’re perfect for weekend trips, road stops, or even a permanent move. If you’re tired of busy travel spots and want something real and relaxed, these Vermont towns are a great place to start. Here are some of the most underrated places in the state, each with something simple, scenic, and special to check out.
Colchester
Colchester is just minutes from Burlington, but it stays out of the spotlight. That’s what makes it a great pick for 2025. It’s a quiet town with lake views, bike paths, and an authentic small-town feel. Bayside Park is a local favorite, with a beach, volleyball courts, and plenty of space to relax. The Colchester Causeway is perfect for biking or walking, with Lake Champlain on both sides. If you want something different, head to Sunset Drive-In. It’s one of the last drive-in theaters left in Vermont, and it is still running like the good old days. For hiking, Niquette Bay State Park has short, peaceful trails that lead to lake overlooks and forest paths.
Bennington
Bennington is often seen as a pit stop for the Bennington Battle Monument, but it’s worth spending real time here. The Bennington Museum is small but packed with charm, featuring folk art, Grandma Moses’ paintings, and local history. Just up the road is Old Bennington, where you can walk past colonial homes and visit Bennington Centre Cemetery, which is the final resting place for soldiers from the Revolutionary War, including poet Robert Frost’s. If you want a peaceful walk, try the Southshire Trail, a quiet path through woods and meadows without the usual crowds. The local art scene is growing quietly, with small galleries like Fiddlehead at Four Corners, hiding in surprising spots around town.
Brattleboro
Brattleboro is a small town with a strong creative streak. While artists and writers have been drawn here for years, it’s still not as well-known as other artsy places in Vermont. That makes it a great spot to explore without the crowds. The Brattleboro Farmers’ Market is a local favorite, packed with fresh produce, handmade crafts, and live music on weekends.
Retreat Tower Trails offer peaceful walks through the woods with views of the Connecticut River, all starting right from the edge of town. If you’re into art, the Brattleboro Museum & Art Centre has rotating exhibits in a beautifully restored train station. And when it’s time to relax, grab a beer at Whetstone Beer Co. or a bite at The Works Café.
Essex
Essex is often overlooked because it sits quietly between Burlington’s bustle and Vermont’s mountain towns. But it’s one of those places where you can run errands and take a forest walk on the same day. At The Essex Experience, you’ll find local shops, a cozy spa, and weekend live music that brings the community together.
Indian Brook Reservoir is a peaceful spot for walking, kayaking, or just sitting by the water with a book. For something unexpected, the nearby Vermont National Guard Library & Museum has military artifacts and stories that surprise most first-time visitors. The town’s food scene is small but growing, think homemade bread, local cheese, and relaxed cafés, like Leo & Company, that focus on simple, good food.
Milton
Milton is a quiet town just north of Burlington that most people drive past without a second thought. It’s not flashy or trying to be cool, but that’s exactly what makes it special. Surrounded by hills, forests, and water, Milton is made for slow weekends. Spend an afternoon fishing or paddling at Arrowhead Mountain Lake, then catch a sunset on the Checkerberry Trail.
If you’re into local history, the Milton Historical Society is a small but interesting stop inside an old church. For a peaceful drive, take the winding road to Clark Falls, especially during fall when the trees are in full color. There’s nothing crowded or commercial about Milton. It’s the kind of place where you can breathe, relax, and enjoy simple things without bumping into a tour bus.
Hartford
Hartford is one of those towns most people just drive through on their way to Woodstock or Hanover. But if you stop for even a day, you’ll see how much this place has going on. Start with the nearby Quechee Gorge, called Vermont’s “Little Grand Canyon.” It’s a deep, dramatic gorge that’s easy to hike around and surprisingly quiet, even during peak seasons.
The Vermont Antique Mall is packed with vintage finds and easy to spend an afternoon in. Just up the road is VINS, a nature center with live bird rehab, forest trails, and canopy walks, great for kids but interesting enough for adults, too. Then there’s Downtown White River Junction, which has been slowly turning into a quirky arts hub. Think murals, tiny bookstores, and small-town theater performances.
Williston
Williston is often seen as just a spot for shopping, but there’s more going on beyond the big box stores. Drive a few minutes out, and you’ll hit quiet countryside, wide-open views, and a growing number of local favorites. The Catamount Outdoor Family Center is open all year for hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing. It’s a great way to spend a day outside without dealing with crowds.
Old Stage Road is worth a slow drive, rolling hills, farms, and a peaceful vibe make it a good break from busier routes. For a quick history fix, the Williston Historical Society has a compact but interesting collection of local stories and artifacts. Williston’s food scene is also changing fast, with more small farms, farmstands, and locally-made products popping up every season.
Springfield
Springfield used to be known for its machine tool industry, but now it’s slowly becoming a place for artists, history lovers, and outdoor explorers. The Hartness House is one of the most interesting spots, it’s a mansion with an underground telescope built right into it.
History fans will enjoy the Springfield Art & Historical Society, where you can learn about the town’s industrial past and growing art scene. If you’re walking through downtown, don’t miss Comtu Falls. It’s a small but beautiful waterfall tucked between buildings. For fresh air and a peaceful walk or bike ride, the Toonerville Rail-Trail runs along the river and is easy for all ages.
Shelburne
Shelburne is just a short drive from Burlington, but it doesn’t get nearly as much attention. That’s surprising, because there’s a lot to see here without the usual crowds. The Shelburne Museum is huge, with over 100,000 collections of folk art, historic items, and even a steamship you can walk through. Shelburne Farms is a great stop if you like animals, trails, or cheese made right on the farm.
You can walk around, visit the animals, and enjoy views of the lake and mountains. Speaking of lakes, the Lake Champlain shoreline in Shelburne is peaceful and perfect for a quiet picnic or sunset. No marina chaos, just calm water and space to relax. End the day at Shelburne Vineyard, where you can try local wine and listen to live music with a view.
The charm of Vermont isn’t just found in the headline destinations, it’s in the quiet streets, family-owned diners, scenic backroads, and hidden trails of its underrated towns. As travelers look for less crowded, more meaningful experiences in 2025, places like Colchester, Springfield, and Milton are stepping into the spotlight. They may not have the biggest resorts or the flashiest festivals, but what they do have is authenticity, warmth, and space to breathe.
